Defiant Bashir travels to Darfur, holds rally

Sudan’s Bashir threatens more expulsions in Darfur

Reuters, March.08.09, By Khaled Abdelaziz

EL FASHER, Sudan (Reuters) – Sudan’s President Omar Hassan al-Bashir threatened on Sunday to expel diplomats and more aid groups, brandishing a sword at a Darfur rally days after a Hague court issued a warrant for him for war crimes.

Sudan has already closed 13 foreign and three local aid groups saying they helped the International Criminal Court (ICC), which last week issued the arrest warrant for Bashir over charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur.

Sudan leader’s warning in Darfur

Sudan’s president has issued a warning to peacekeepers, diplomats and aid staff while visting Darfur, in the wake of a war crimes warrant against him.

Omar al-Bashir said all foreign missions in Sudan must obey the law or face expulsion, as he visited the North Darfur capital of El Fasher.

Mr Bashir was greeted by thousands of flag-waving supporters, many riding camels and horses.

Correspondents described the trip as a calculated show of defiance.

The UN estimates that 300,000 people have died and 2.7 million displaced in Darfur, since black African rebels took up arms in 2003 against the Arab-dominated regime demanding a greater share of resources and power.

Analysts say Mr Bashir placed himself in some personal danger by visiting El Fasher, despite the heavy security, because most people in Darfur are said to support the war crimes indictment against him.